From Garth to Cody: Summerfest 2026 Is a Country Fan’s Dream
- All Country News
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Country music is packing its bags for the shores of Lake Michigan this summer, and it’s bringing some serious star power with it.
Summerfest Is Going Full Country in 2026
Set against the skyline of Milwaukee, Summerfest has always been a genre-blending giant. But in 2026, country fans might want to clear their calendars entirely. From legends to next-gen hitmakers, this year’s lineup reads like a CMA Awards seating chart, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure.
The Legend Returns: Garth Brooks
When Garth Brooks is on the bill (June 16–17), it’s not just a concert, it’s a cultural event. Expect stadium-sized singalongs, goosebumps during “The Dance,” and the kind of electricity only Garth can generate. Summerfest opening week with Brooks? That’s how you set the tone.
Girl Power & Global Heat: Megan Moroney & Carín León
Megan Moroney continues her meteoric rise, bringing her sharp songwriting and unapologetic Southern charm to the lakefront stage. She’s become one of country’s most compelling young voices, equal parts heartbreak and highlighter-blue sass.
And while Carín León leans regional Mexican, his crossover appeal and collaborations have made him a must-see for country audiences who love their twang with a global twist.
The Stadium Storytellers: Cody Johnson & Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson (June 25–27) continues to carry the neo-traditional torch, and there’s something poetic about hearing his rodeo-built baritone echo across Lake Michigan. CoJo doesn’t just perform — he testifies.
Then there’s Jelly Roll (July 2–4), the genre-bending powerhouse whose redemption arc has become one of country music’s most compelling narratives. Pair him with Tyler Hubbard and you’ve got a night that blends arena hooks with back-porch honesty.
Country Goes Crossover: Post Malone & Ed Sheeran
Post Malone’s ongoing love affair with country music continues to blossom, and his Summerfest appearance feels less like a cameo and more like a homecoming. After planting roots in Nashville, he’s embraced steel guitars and storytelling with open arms.
And while Ed Sheeran may not wear cowboy boots full-time, his acoustic-driven songwriting has long resonated with country fans. Don’t be surprised if a surprise duet sneaks into his set.
The Deep Bench: From Hitmakers to Rising Stars
Beyond the headliners, Summerfest’s country undercard is stacked:
Tucker Wetmore brings his breakout momentum.
Russell Dickerson is guaranteed to turn the grounds into one big dance floor.
Marcus King blurs the lines between Southern rock and country soul.
The Red Clay Strays continue their gritty ascent.
Kacey Musgraves adds her dreamy, cosmic country flair.
Chris Stapleton delivers the kind of once-in-a-generation vocals that demand silence, and then a standing ovation.
And that barely scratches the surface.
A Lakefront Honky Tonk
What makes Summerfest special isn’t just the lineup, it’s the setting. Ferris wheels, lake breezes, and 11 days of music that move seamlessly from honky-tonk heartbreak to genre-bending anthems.
Country music has always thrived in spaces where stories feel bigger than the stage. In 2026, those stories will drift across Lake Michigan, powered by legends, lifted by newcomers, and sung back by thousands of fans who know every word.
Milwaukee might be known for beer and baseball. But this summer, it’s going to sound a whole lot like Nashville.
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